The Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) is calling on the community to help one of Australia’s most distinctive frog species by finding out where it’s living.
Advancing the call, DPE said data over the last nine years showed the numbers and distribution of Green and Golden Bell Frogs (GGBF) around Nowra across the Crookhaven floodplain had ‘crashed’.
“The GGBF lives right on our doorstep, so we’re asking the community to be our eyes (or rather ears) on the ground to help us find out where this frog is living,” DPE said.
“Do you have what it takes to be a Guardian of the Green and Golden Bell Frog?”
The Department said it was coordinating a community-based citizen science GGBF survey and monitoring program, where it was asking community members to help survey and monitor GGBF.
“The data you collect will help us plan and prioritise our conservation work, and may help us detect any changes in the distribution of GGBF across the Crookhaven floodplain, as community members can survey areas outside our formal monitoring program,” it said.
“Surveying for the GGBF is simple – you search for frogs and listen for calling males in their wetland or stream habitat.
“Then, using the FrogID app, you simply record the frog chorus, submit the recording, and experts at the Australian Museum will identify the species present.”
DPE said GGBFs could be found around the edges of a wetland in fringing vegetation, up to about 20 metres away from the edge.
It said the frogs might be slightly off the ground, on the roots of trees or logs, and in vegetation.
“Searches can be as little as 5-10 minutes for small wetlands/dams, but more time should be spent at larger wetlands,” the Department said.
“Half an hour would be fine for most scenarios, but feel free to stay out longer if you’re enjoying yourself!”
Further information on the citizen science GGBF survey program can be accessed at this PS News link.
